Summary of "Mother Animal" by Helen Jukes In *Mother Animal*, Helen Jukes explores the challenges of motherhood by drawing parallels between human experiences and those of animals. During her pregnancy, Jukes found solace in learning how other animals navigate motherhood, which helped her feel less isolated. She highlights unique animal births, such as porcupettes being born with quills, hyenas giving birth through their clitoris, and kiwi eggs being disproportionately large. The book also notes that caregiving isn't always solely the mother's responsibility in the animal kingdom, with examples like common marmoset fathers and bonobos assisting during births. Jukes delves into the impact of environmental pollution on motherhood, adding a somber perspective. While some sections are gloomy, the personal reflections on her own motherhood journey are engaging, balancing the narrative with heartfelt insights.